Gathering at the Well for Worship

What a tremendous gift and respite was the recent rain in the midst of the continuing critical drought. In West Texas, and across the world, we are increasingly aware of the significance and value of water - not only for our literal survival, but also for our emotional and spiritual health.

During this week's Gathering, we will explore the story (John 4) and example of a long-ago woman from Samaria who encountered Divine Presence in one named Jesus while getting water from a community well. Our ears and spirits will be "watered" by the keyboard accompaniment of Valerie Tedford Queen. Our souls will be "drenched" as we draw from the deep wells of Sacred Wisdom and Truth. Our compassion will "flow" as we share the gift of life-sustaining water through our offering to Humane Borders. And our bodies will be refreshed as we share a pot-luck meal following the worship service.

In addition to our offering for Humane Borders, we also continue to collect canned and dry goods for Project Dignidad. Join us!

Sunday, August 21, 2011
5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

Growth in Mindful Gathering

Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present. Instead of letting life pass one by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience. In June, Neil invited us to be present and explore this practice of mindfulness as a sacred experience. About this coming Sunday, Neil states: "Sunday mindfulness training will review our previous work and then continue the practice of learning to stay aware of the present, accepting distractions as normal and learning to come gently back into the present without judgement--of situation, self or others. The presumption is that the more we can stay present to what is, the more centered and grounded we are in our lives which develop inner spiritual life.

Our offering will be two-fold - one aspect is another "part 2" of sorts - we'll again collect canned and packaged food for Project Dignidad. Our monetary offering this week will be designated for West Texas Organizing Strategy.

As for our community meal, please remember, we will NOT share a Gathering potluck this Sunday night. At our Gathering for Sacred Business time Sunday, May 29, we decided to experiment with our community-wide meals, so we're trying community meals the first and third Sundays, and drinks (and maybe snacks) the second and fourth Sundays. So come ready to be nourished in soul and mind, and come ready to share tea and conversation (and maybe snacks if anyone brings some), but plan to nourish your body elsewhere.

Sunday, 14 August 2011
5:30 pm
618 Locust Street